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Is it OK to attend services if you don't follow their beliefs?

Forum Opinion Poll
Absolutely not. Their beliefs are the core of the activity/organization. 7 6.14%
Sure, as long as you don't actively and vocally put down their ideas. 76 66.67%
Only if the activity/club isn't focused on their beliefs (ie bake sale) 24 21.05%
Other 7 6.14%
 

Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

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nrthshgrl
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Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

Posted by GoldenRod

Posted by nrthshgrl

I've hesitated signing my son up with the Boy Scouts because of their policy against gay rights - well that & my inability not to mock a grown man wearing a boy scout uniform...but have signed up for girl scouts because they have an open door policy & do not discriminate.



That's just because you haven't seen me in my uniform... I look d@mn sexy! IMAGE
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Photo please!Chat Icon

Posted 10/23/09 1:16 PM
 

Goldi0218
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Member since 12/05

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Leslie

Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

I am Jewish. Christmas does NOT come into my home. HOWEVER we celebrate Christmas with family members who are not Jewish even though we do not observe it ourselves. There is a difference between celebration and observance.

Posted 10/23/09 1:17 PM
 

FreeButterfly
hum...

Member since 5/05

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Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

Some of those listed I agree with, some I do not.

Boy scouts - yes
Masons - no

Why? What's the difference, i don't know.

high school - no - that they specifically teach religion. There are plenty of jewish people who go to catholic pre-school though - I don't think they learn too much religion there though.



Posted 10/23/09 1:22 PM
 

Blazesyth
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Member since 5/05

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Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

As an Atheist, I am sometimes put into this position.

I will go to special services (wedding, funeral, baptism, christening, etc) but I will not participate in any of the services. I will stand if others stand, but I will not kneel or make any hand gestures. I basically will just sit there and tune out what I'm hearing and make this week's shopping list in my head - or I'll actually listen and run thru my head my opinion to what they're saying. Just depends on my mood.

I went to my great-niece's baptism this summer. The priest came to the party after. He put his hand on my shoulder and said "I was watching you during service." I felt like saying, "If you only knew what was going thru my brain..." Then I wondered to myself, I hope I kept everything inside my brain and wasn't accidentally mumbling my take on his sermon.

The priest should have been watching my nephew sitting next to me, who was falling asleep and hit his head on the pew ahead of him 3-4 times. That was much more entertaining. Chat Icon Oh BTW, my nephew is 22 years old not 22 months. Chat Icon

Posted 10/23/09 2:04 PM
 

aliwnec10
mom of 3 boys

Member since 4/06

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Ali

Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

Posted by prncsslehcar

I participate in a ton of things that really don't go along with my belief system, but because other people I know DO believe in those things, I try to support them and/or at least participate in things I find interesting. I can choose not to believe in something but still understand and respect it.



ITA.

For instance, i'm not a big religious fan. I'm catholic but i don't agree with a lot of my religion or their beliefs. Anyway, i will be sending ds to religion school and i will bring him to church when he gets a bit older. Why? because even if i don't believe in... doesn't mean he can't. He has the right to make up his own mind about things.

I don't agree with a lot of things. But just because i don't agree with it, doesn't make it wrong. Chat Icon

Message edited 10/23/2009 2:14:15 PM.

Posted 10/23/09 2:10 PM
 

aliwnec10
mom of 3 boys

Member since 4/06

11426 total posts

Name:
Ali

Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

Posted by nrthshgrl
well that & my inability not to mock a grown man wearing a boy scout uniform...



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Posted 10/23/09 2:12 PM
 

evnme
My little lamb

Member since 8/05

12633 total posts

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aka momma2b

Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

Posted by Tilde

I feel like there are two different issues here. I would absolutely go to support a close friend or family member, even if I wasn't thrilled with whatever organization they were part of. However, I myself, probably would not participate.

I guess it depends though. I would have no problem sending my children to a Jewish daycare or something like that (is there such a thing? not sure. . . ) but if it was something I was actually AGAINST then no, I wouldn't support it.



ITA

at my synagogue, we have a wonderful nursery school program. we have children from all religions/backgrounds there.

Posted 10/23/09 2:12 PM
 

glinda-goodwitch
:-)

Member since 7/06

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Beth

Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

I did a charity event for my friend's church. It was her first fundraiser and she wanted my help. I was raised Jewish and am now agnostic. I enjoyed helping out. Charity is charity no matter what religion you are.

Now, would I have attended if I didn't know someone at that church? Probably not. But I have no problem attending things that aren't part of my belief system. I just usually need a reason.

Posted 10/23/09 2:24 PM
 

avamamma
My Girl

Member since 7/06

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Tara

Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

I didn't know the YMCA was Jewish or that Boy Scouts was religious.

Yes, I think it's fine. As long as you respect those people who do believe.

Posted 10/23/09 2:49 PM
 

dpli
Daylight savings :)

Member since 5/05

13973 total posts

Name:
D

Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

Posted by nrthshgrl

I've hesitated signing my son up with the Boy Scouts because of their policy against gay rights - well that & my inability not to mock a grown man wearing a boy scout uniform...but have signed up for girl scouts because they have an open door policy & do not discriminate.



This is a great example. My nephew is very involved in Boy Scouts and I completely support him doing it. It's the only activity he really gets excited about and I think he's learning great skills and lessons from it.

Before I had a son, I would have said I don't think I would sign him up for scouts because of their position on homosexuality, but now, I am not so sure. It's easy to be sure in the abstract. I was a girl scout and learned a lot, went on great trips, etc. It's an experience I would love for my son to have. I don't know what we'll do when the time comes.

Posted 10/23/09 2:57 PM
 

annoyedTTCer
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Member since 4/09

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Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

Posted by avamamma

I didn't know the YMCA was Jewish or that Boy Scouts was religious.

Yes, I think it's fine. As long as you respect those people who do believe.



I always find its bigger issue getting those who do believe to respect those who do not

Posted 10/23/09 3:05 PM
 

DiamondGirl
You are my I love you

Member since 7/09

18802 total posts

Name:
DiamondMama

Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

Religious..yes, I have been involved with organzations, camps, activites, weddings etc. of other religions.

I enjoy learning about the cultures, religions, traditions of other people,,,it is one of my favorite things actually.

An anti-abortion rally or a republican convention, no I would not.

So I guess it depends what we are really talking about specifically.

ETA: I made sure that my wedding venue provided kosher meals as I have family friends who are kosher.

The same family walked 3 miles to attend my church ceremony bc they do not drive on saturdays Chat Icon

Message edited 10/23/2009 3:35:32 PM.

Posted 10/23/09 3:32 PM
 

LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!

Member since 5/05

19458 total posts

Name:
L

Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

Well we are Jewish but we go to our friends home for Christmas eve dinner. We invite them over to celebrate Hanukkah with us. Does that mean I am celebrating Christmas? To me, no. It is more akin to me having a festive meal with good friends. We don't go to church with them. They don't go to temple with us. I have purchased many raffles over the years from the local Catholic school fundraiser. I don't support all of their activities, but I will help a child when asked.

ETA: I have been a member of the local YMCA which is technically the young men's catholic academy BUT I only use the gym. So in a sense yes, I support groups that I don't agree with. However, there are limits to my acceptance. I would not go to a white supremacist rally or give them any money.

Message edited 10/23/2009 3:45:17 PM.

Posted 10/23/09 3:42 PM
 

Otherme
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Member since 3/06

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Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

Posted by avamamma

I didn't know the YMCA was Jewish or that Boy Scouts was religious.

Yes, I think it's fine. As long as you respect those people who do believe.



YMCA is Catholic - Young Mens Christian Association

Posted 10/23/09 3:50 PM
 

evnme
My little lamb

Member since 8/05

12633 total posts

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aka momma2b

Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

Posted by Otherme

Posted by avamamma

I didn't know the YMCA was Jewish or that Boy Scouts was religious.

Yes, I think it's fine. As long as you respect those people who do believe.



YMCA is Catholic - Young Mens Christian Association



i was about to make this correction too.
the JCC (Jewish community center) is the jewish equivalent. also known as the YM-YWHA (young men's young women's hebrew association)

Posted 10/23/09 4:43 PM
 

luvsbob4603
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Member since 5/05

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To a brand new year to a healthier me

Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

I chose wrong on the vote, I meant to put yes, I would go to a service even if it's not my religon.. If its for a special occasion that is.

Posted 10/23/09 6:08 PM
 

mathteach
Roll Tide!

Member since 8/08

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Christine

Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

Posted by PaddysGirl

I think it is great if someone attends/participates with something outside of thier beliefs. It teaches people tolerence. And that is something this world needs right now



ITA. It is also a way for people to expand their horizons.

Posted 10/23/09 6:42 PM
 

yankinmanc
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Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

I am Jewish and my son goes to a Church of England school, along with a ton of Hindu, Muslim, & Catholic children. I felt that I wanted to get involved in my own immediate community, and this school was a good way to do it. I met with the Vicar (who is Noah's best friends Dad) and he encouraged me that this school would teach my son good foundations, and morals and values. So to me, thats just as important as religion. My uncle, who is a big wig Rabbi in DC also encouraged me to get involved in the school as well.

We don't do Christmas, even though my husband isn't Jewish, I cook him a meal and we give "seasonal" presents (but they are more Chanukah all in one go) and we celebrate Chanukah. I think being open is more important than being vehemently "this is my religion and I am sticking to it" however, I do have the underlying sentiment that Christmas is NOT my holiday.

Posted 10/24/09 4:37 AM
 

pharmcat2000
Mom of 2 + 1

Member since 10/05

7395 total posts

Name:
Catherine

Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

I've gone to Jewish weddings even though I'm Catholic b/c I went for my friends. I don't think I'd join something like the KofC (if women could) if I weren't Catholic, I wouldn't sign my DS up for Boy Scouts if I didn't believe in what they teach. I also didn't go to my friend's DC's baptism because she had openly told me on several occasions that she didn't believe in God or anything that the church taught. She was just having the baby baptized for show and as a Catholic who DOES believe the teachings of the church, I couldn't go to that mockery (IMO that's what it was). I didn't say that to her, I just politely declinced b/c it was for my own personal reasons.

After reading other replies, I guess my answer is that I don't have a problem participating in things run or given by another group that I'm not a part of. I just wouldn't want my beliefs questioned or compromised. I also don't think I could have married somebody who was a totally different religion than me because I plan to teach my children about our faith as something we believe -- not as a hobby, or something to "expose" them to and have them choose later. If later on, they don't believe in the teachings of the church, that is fine, but I will know that I did my part in giving them the values and beliefs I have.

Message edited 10/24/2009 6:29:20 AM.

Posted 10/24/09 6:21 AM
 

Bxgell2
Perfection

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Beth

Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

Posted by Goldi0218

I am Jewish. Christmas does NOT come into my home. HOWEVER we celebrate Christmas with family members who are not Jewish even though we do not observe it ourselves. There is a difference between celebration and observance.



Agreed.

To add - Alex goes to preschool affiliated with a very conservative synagogue. They observe all the jewish holidays, do shabbat services with all the kids on Fridays, teach the prayers and about the religion.

Suprisingly enough, there are A LOT of children who go to that school who aren't even jewish, which I can understand because it really is an absolutely stellar school with an incredible program. I have to say, it really is adorable to walk in there on Friday and see all the children, jewish, black, korean, indian, etc., sitting at their little shabbat tables eating their challah. Chat Icon

I would never send my children to a private christian preschool/daycare, but I have no problem with non-jewish children attending the school - it's all about your own personal preferences and comfort level.

Posted 10/24/09 8:03 AM
 

conigs25
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Michele

Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

Im of the belief of "to each their own". I personally do not believe in any religion.

But...when invited to a wedding or christeing, i politely and respectfully attend even though i personally do not believe a word of it

Posted 10/24/09 10:00 AM
 

charon54
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Rebecca

Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

I went to a Jewish daycare even though I wasn't raised religious (my dad is Jewish, my mom is Methodist). I go to all my friend's religious ceremonies. My son will join Boy Scouts, because I believe strongly in the leadership skills you learn through the scouting movement. As long as the organization isn't pushing their beliefs on you, I think it is fine.

Posted 10/24/09 11:26 AM
 

Erica
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Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

welll, you've heard the story about the Jewish boy who was failing math in public school?

His parents were told to send him to Catholic school for their strictness. As soon as the boy started attending, his math grades were great.

His parents asked him what helped to make the difference.

He said that he knew this school meant business about math when he walked in the first day and saw a man nailed to a plus sign.




To support friends...yes; to understand/learn about culture...yes; to participate in an event in which I don't believe/respect...no

my kids aren't allowed into the boy scouts...but even if they were I wouldn't allow them to participate.

Message edited 10/24/2009 2:26:45 PM.

Posted 10/24/09 2:26 PM
 

DiamondGirl
You are my I love you

Member since 7/09

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DiamondMama

Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

Posted by Erica

welll, you've heard the story about the Jewish boy who was failing math in public school?

His parents were told to send him to Catholic school for their strictness. As soon as the boy started attending, his math grades were great.

His parents asked him what helped to make the difference.

He said that he knew this school meant business about math when he walked in the first day and saw a man nailed to a plus sign.



I do not follow.

Would you mind explaining what this story means?

Posted 10/24/09 2:43 PM
 

evnme
My little lamb

Member since 8/05

12633 total posts

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aka momma2b

Re: Is it OK to attend something if you don't "believe" in what they stand for?

Posted by DiamondGirl

Posted by Erica

welll, you've heard the story about the Jewish boy who was failing math in public school?

His parents were told to send him to Catholic school for their strictness. As soon as the boy started attending, his math grades were great.

His parents asked him what helped to make the difference.

He said that he knew this school meant business about math when he walked in the first day and saw a man nailed to a plus sign.



I do not follow.

Would you mind explaining what this story means?




the boy didn't know who jesus was or that he was nailed to a cross. and when he saw the symbol on the wall, he thought that if you didn't do well in math, they nailed you to the plus sign.

Posted 10/24/09 2:49 PM
 
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